'Hero' rats wearing backpacks trained to search for disaster survivors

Rats carrying cameras on tiny backpacks are being trained to search disaster areas for survivors.

The new project comes from Belgian and US non-profit organisation Apopo, which focuses on training southern giant pouched rats to detect landmines and tuberculosis. The animals are known as “Herorats”.

The rodents are kitted out with small, high-tech backpacks to help first responders search for survivors in war zones or disaster areas.

“Rats are typically quite curious and like to explore — and that is key for search and rescue,” Donna Kean, a behavioural research scientist and leader of the project, told CNN.

The rats' size, excellent sense of smell and adventurous spirit make them perfect for locating things in tight places, she said.

The rats are trained to first locate a person in an empty room and then pull a switch on their vests, setting off an alarm.

At the end of the exercise, they are given a treat.

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